Premier League: West Brom vs Arsenal match preview

Per Mertesacker celebrates with Yaya Sanogo after the Frenchman scores for Arsenal Getty Images

West Brom host Arsenal at The Hawthorns in Saturday’s early kick-off with the Baggies coming into this fixture off the back of two consecutive losses.

Arsenal will travel to the West Midlands knowing that they are safely assured in the Champions League last-16 after a dazzling win against Borussia Dortmund. After a rocky month of results, Arsene Wenger will hope that the win against the Germans will be the turning point of the Gunners’ season.

Currently sitting 15 points behind league leaders Chelsea, Arsenal desperately need to find some sort of rhythm and consistency to their form leading into this Christmas period.

Saido Berahino is in spectacular form for West Brom netting eight times so far this season. The Baggies will need to utilise his lightning-quick pace and get in behind Arsenal’s susceptible defence. West Brom - who only sit three points above the relegation zone - will feel that they can take something away from this game after a topsy-turvy run of form for the North London side.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will be excited to see a Lauren Koscielny take his place in Arsenal’s defence after a lengthy period out due to an achilles injury.